Thailand-based Anantara Hotel, Resorts & Spas has drawn plans to set up eight hotels in the country over the next five years. The company, according to a top official, has signed a memorandum of understanding for a management contract with a real estate giant in India.

Thailand-based Anantara Hotel, Resorts & Spas has drawn plans to set up eight hotels in the country over the next five years. The company, according to a top official, has signed a memorandum of understanding for a management contract with a real estate giant in India.

“We have signed a memorandum of understanding for a management contract with a real estate giant in India and we hope to open the first of the eight hotels by 2011,” said Dillip Rajakarier, chief operating officer of Anantara Hotels.

Speaking at the Global Hotels Alliance (GHA) conference, Rajakarier said, “In this age of economic downturn, India, China and Russia will see a rise of inbound traffic. Also, it should be kept in mind that Asia is a rate resistant market, which offers standards at a cheaper price. This will attract tourists to these destinations.”

  Apart from its plans to enter India, the hospitality chain also aims to set up hotels in Vietnam by 2010, and expand in Thailand, Maldives, China and the UAE.

Rajakarier believes the only way to attract customers is to keep introducing packages and incentives rather than dropping the room rates, which most hoteliers do at times of crisis.